Posts

25 Guiding Principles for an Apparel Decorator

In the last two weeks, I've probably talked to two hundred shop owners or more. Between Shirt Lab Atlanta and ISS Ft. Worth (where I taught eight classes over a three-day span), I've been just a tad busy. During that time I've chatted with…
Fundamental Skills Predict Final Outcomes

Fundamental Skills Predict Final Outcomes

How are your shop's core fundamental skills? Somewhere along the way, many decorated apparel industry businesses have lost the fact that their level of ability to complete core tasks with predictable excellence drives their level of craftsmanship. Yep.…
Fool's Gold - Marshall Atkinson

Fool's Gold

Are you prospecting for gold? Back in the gold mining boom, prospectors would unearth a mineral called pyrite and be duped into thinking it was the real deal.  Pyrite is an iron sulfide and the most common of the sulfide minerals. It's…
There is No Growth Without Friction - Marshall Atkinson

There Is No Growth Without Friction

  Let's talk about your company trajectory for a minute.  You are here.  Your goals are over there.  The growth you need to bridge that gap?  That's the meat of the sandwich.  That's work. But here's the deal.  There is no growth…
You Can't Boil the Ocean - Marshall Atkinson

You Can't Boil The Ocean

  Have you ever heard this phrase, "You Can't Boil the Ocean"? I stumbled upon it a few months ago somewhere and jotted it down in my journal.  (Yes, I started journaling last year to improve my writing and idea flow). Can you…
How SanMar Works Processing Your Orders - Marshall Atkinson

How SanMar Works: Processing Your Orders

  Have you ever wondered how your order gets picked once you hit the submit button at SanMar? I know I have. One of the things I was able to line up at this past January's ISS Long Beach show was a behind the scenes look at the…